SAFEGUARDING POLICY

Grief Support Circle Safeguarding Policy

Purpose and Commitment

We are a community-led initiative dedicated to supporting individuals navigating the profound and complex journey of grief. Our grief support circle exists to provide a safe, compassionate, and nurturing environment where participants feel respected, heard, and supported.

Safeguarding is at the heart of our work. This policy outlines our commitment to protecting the wellbeing of all who attend, ensuring safety, dignity, and confidentiality, while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

Scope

This policy applies to:

• All participants attending the grief support circle or related workshops.

• The facilitators (two founding members) and any future volunteers or collaborators.

• All spaces, physical or online, where the grief support circle takes place.

Guiding Principles

• Safety First: The wellbeing of participants is always our top priority.

• Respect and Compassion: Every individual will be treated with empathy, non-judgement, and respect.

• Boundaries and Professionalism: While we bring therapeutic skills and lived experience, this is a peer-led support space, not a substitute for therapy, counselling, or medical care.

• Confidentiality: What is shared in the circle stays in the circle, unless there is a safeguarding concern that requires disclosure.

• Empowerment: We aim to support individuals in their grief journey while encouraging personal agency, resilience, and the building of supportive networks.
  
  

Safeguarding Responsibilities

• Facilitators are responsible for creating and maintaining a safe environment, addressing concerns promptly, and following safeguarding procedures.

• Participants are encouraged to respect group agreements, maintain confidentiality, and contribute to the safety and wellbeing of others.
  
  

Risk Awareness and Boundaries

• The circle is not therapy and is not designed to replace professional mental health or medical support.

• We do not provide crisis intervention. Participants in acute distress will be signposted to appropriate services.

• Facilitators will not enter into dual relationships (e.g., personal counselling, financial or romantic involvement) with participants.

• All practices offered (breathwork, body awareness, etc.) will be optional, guided gently, and with clear consent.
  
  

Safeguarding Procedures

• Confidentiality: Information shared remains confidential unless there is a concern about risk of harm to self or others, in which case facilitators may need to share information with appropriate services.

• Responding to Concerns: If a participant displays signs of being at risk (e.g., self-harm, suicidal thoughts, abuse, neglect), facilitators will:
  -Listen with compassion and without judgement.
  -Assess immediate risk.
  -If urgent, encourage contacting emergency services or crisis helplines.
  -If ongoing, signpost to appropriate professional or community resources.
  -Record the concern securely and confidentially.

• Escalation: Where serious safeguarding issues arise (e.g., risk to a child or vulnerable adult), facilitators will contact relevant safeguarding authorities.

Code of Conduct for Participants

• Respect the experiences and feelings of others.

• Maintain confidentiality of what is shared in the circle.

• Allow space for everyone to speak and be heard.

• Avoid giving unsolicited advice.

• No use of alcohol, drugs, or abusive behaviour in or around the circle.

Training and Supervision

• Facilitators commit to ongoing training, self-reflection, and professional development to uphold safe practice.

• Regular peer or professional supervision will be sought to reflect on safeguarding matters and facilitator wellbeing.
  
  

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually (or sooner if required) to ensure it remains relevant, effective, and responsive to the needs of the community.

Key Contacts:

• Facilitators: Clare Cavalli 07859897464 Debbie Clay 07821298291

• Emergency Services: 999 (UK) or local equivalent.

• Samaritans (UK helpline for crisis support): 116 123.

• Qwell:
  For adults in Kent and Medway, visit Qwell.io for free, anonymous, text-based chat sessions with professional advisors seven days a week. 

• Release the Pressure:
  Text KENT or MEDWAY to 85258 to speak confidentially with a professional councillor or therapist. 

• Cruse Bereavement Support:
  Offers support and information to anyone affected by bereavement. Call their helpline on 0808 808 1677.